On this day April 5, 1980, the legendary police drama Hawaii Five O aired its final episode, closing out an incredible 12 season run that began back in 1968. Known for its gripping crime stories, iconic theme song, and the unforgettable Jack Lord as Steve McGarrett, Hawaii Five O became a staple of classic television and set the standard for crime shows to come.
Spanning 279 episodes, the series followed an elite state police unit working to keep the islands of Hawaii safe from organized crime and corruption. It was praised for its beautiful location shots, dramatic storytelling, and memorable catchphrases that became embedded in pop culture. Hawaii Five O left a lasting legacy and paved the way for countless cop dramas in the decades that followed. Its influence can still be felt in the modern TV landscape, and its finale marked the end of an era for fans who had grown up watching it week after week.
80s insight: Jack Lord was the only cast member to appear in every single episode of the series from 1968 to 1980.
Spanning 279 episodes, the series followed an elite state police unit working to keep the islands of Hawaii safe from organized crime and corruption. It was praised for its beautiful location shots, dramatic storytelling, and memorable catchphrases that became embedded in pop culture. Hawaii Five O left a lasting legacy and paved the way for countless cop dramas in the decades that followed. Its influence can still be felt in the modern TV landscape, and its finale marked the end of an era for fans who had grown up watching it week after week.
80s insight: Jack Lord was the only cast member to appear in every single episode of the series from 1968 to 1980.
